Tens of Thousands of Wild Horses Saved From Death

After a public outcry, tens of thousands of wild horses have been saved from euthanization.

The U.S. government had been planning to cull the herds in an attempt to control the number of "unadoptable" horses and burros occupying its facilities. The horses used to live freely on public land, but over the years they have been corralled by the Bureau of Land Management's National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board (BLM) to make room for cattle, a controversial practice in and of itself.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

The upkeep of the corrals and pastures is expensive, nearly $50 million a year, and as these animals have no natural predators, the population continues to multiply. There are currently thought to be 67,000 horses; the government would prefer a number closer to 27,000, according to Reuters. Hence the proposed euthanization.

It was a decision that understandably angered animal welfare groups, who spoke out about the proposal. In response to the opposition, the bureau has released a statement saying that the agency will "continue its current policy of caring for unadopted or unsold wild horses and burros" and will "not sell or send any animals to slaughter."

Most Popular

A more formal response is expected in coming months, but for now, the horses are safe.